France
Rachel Ifans heads to the Aravis mountains to find out more about just why biathlon is so popular in France – and to have a go herself.
If you’ve only just heard of biathlon, don’t worry, you’re not alone. The winter sport made the headlines perhaps more than any other Olympic discipline during the 2026 Games in Milano Cortina – and not always for the reasons you might expect.
When it comes to spring skiing, it doesn’t get much better than Méribel at the heart of Les 3 Vallées, the world’s largest ski area. With 85% of the area above 1,800 metres, snow remains reliable well into late March, while long sunny days are made for terrace lunches with a rosé in hand. With two metres of fresh snow this season, visitors are currently enjoying epic spring skiing conditions.
Photo: © Marina Kokkelink Office de Tourisme de Pralognan-la-Vanoise
Peak Retreats, the UK’s only employee-owned ski holiday company, is enhancing its winter ski holiday programme with the addition of authentic French resort Pralognan-la-Vanoise.
Pralognan was chosen for its warm, traditional village, strong appeal for families and beginners and excellent value for money.
Late season skiing in Saint-Gervais Mont Blanc combines the best of winter and spring.
Longer daylight hours, quieter slopes and milder temperatures create ideal conditions for relaxed mornings on crisp snow and leisurely lunches on sunny terraces.
PHOTO: Chalet Marco Polo ©andyparant.com
After weeks of consistent snowfall, Val d’Isère, Méribel and Courchevel continue to offer outstanding conditions as winter eases into early spring.
March and early April bring exceptional skiing, longer sunlit afternoons and a quieter rhythm in resort, ideal for those seeking space, privacy and pristine slopes.
Frank ‘Scoop’ Baldwin looks at how new laws and existing regulation are making the use of open fireplaces a hot topic this season.
There is something very appealing about relaxing over a drink with friends, or having a romantic evening with your partner, in front of a roaring log fire in your ski chalet after a day on the slopes.
With the impact of snowsports TV coverage from Italy, the amazing snow conditions enjoyed this half term and some incredible deals for February 2027, demand for skiing on peak dates next year is high.
With the Winter Olympics 2026 drawn to a close, those that are already missing the excitement and eager to experience a bit of Olympic history on the slopes themselves, the Ikon Pass includes nine resorts that have played host to incredible Olympic talent through the years, from the legendary mountains of Chamonix, which hosted the first Winter Games in 1924, to the newly expanded Deer Valley Resort in Utah, a 2002 host set to welcome Olympic talent again in 2034.
PHOTO: © Sylvain Aymoz, Tipi
Long known as a traditional chalet resort, Méribel has quietly undergone a culinary revolution. Across the French Alps, food has become a defining part of the ski holiday experience, and in the heart of the Trois Vallées, Méribel is fast emerging as a destination where gastronomy rivals the skiing itself.
SkiWeekends, the specialist short break and flexible ski tour operator, has re-scheduled its normal programme for one week in March to allow guests the chance to book the new Premier Ski Festival in Les Gets – an event dedicated purely for first-time skiers and snowboarders.
Save the date for 28 and 29 March 2026 as Volcom Spot to Spot returns to Avoriaz for its explosive 6th edition, bringing two days of all-terrain challenges, good vibes, riding and partying to one of the resort’s most iconic playgrounds.
With spring fast approaching, high‑altitude resorts across Europe and North America offer reliable snow, longer days and sunshine‑filled slopes for an Easter getaway.
Whether you’re travelling as a family or seeking reliable runs, Easter provides the ideal combination of great snow conditions and a relaxed late‑season atmosphere.
PHOTO: © M. Giacometti Le Grand Bornand Tourisme
Having enjoyed a huge snowfall sweeping across the Alps recently, the region is enjoying incredible conditions for skiers.
OVO Network is making it more affordable to take advantage of the fresh snow thanks to its latest offers from partner chalets.
Free upgrade to Paradiski lift passes
Book a stay in Les Arcs or Peisey Vallandry and get a Paradiski Essential 6 or 7 day adult or child pass for the price of a Classic pass (excludes family passes). The Essential Pass gives skiers access to the whole Paradiski area plus extras like express lanes and free entry to the ice cave. Applies to stays on the weeks 21/03/2026, 04/04/2026 and 11/04/2026.
Taking place on 25 February 2026, the Edelweiss Megève Ski returns as one of the winter season’s unmissable events, inviting both amateurs and experienced competitors to discover a unique night ski touring route across the summits of Rochebrune and Côte 2000.
PHOTO: Tristan Shu – Val d’Isere Tourisme
This season, Val d’Isère has plenty to offer families who are looking for a fun alpine playground to explore. From dedicated family-focused ski areas and accommodation to workshops and activities across the resort’s world-famous venues, there is something for everyone looking for adventure in the snow this winter.
PHOTO: Human Curling, Praz-de-Lys Sommand, Laurent Cousin
Haute-Savoie Mont-Blanc invites travellers to embrace a winter filled with unbeatable skiing, warm hospitality and a collection of extraordinary activities that go far beyond the classic alpine break. Introduce a fresh highlight to your time in the mountains with these eccentric and extraordinary activities…
Katy Dartford enjoys some early season skiing, where before the crowds arrive she finds snow that holds and plenty of space to ski properly in the high altitude French resort.
Skiing in mid-December in Tignes feels like arriving just as the place is waking up. It’s not quite off-season, but the town hasn’t fully rubbed the sleep from its eyes either.
2025/26 ski holidays from Travelski UK are on sale, with new resorts and new travel options. In addition to the popular rail inclusive packages, in partnership with Eurostar Snow, Travelski are now offering UK skiers the option of packaging flights from their local airport to all the main airports servicing the French Alpine ski areas.
PHOTO: © J. Cathala – Le Grand-Bornand Tourisme
The Organising Committee, with a record 1,000+ volunteers, alongside local residents, are ready to welcome the only French leg of the BMW IBU Biathlon World Cup to Le Grand-Bornand.
With six successful editions since 2013, the village in the Haute-Savoie region has established itself as an essential stop on the international circuit.